The Odisha Transport department is going to reschedule the timings of public transport services in the State in view of the heat wave conditions likely to prevail by mid-week.
In a letter to the Chief General Manager, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), the Joint Secretary of the State Commerce and Transport Department, Kishore Chandra Das, said that the timing of public transport services will be rescheduled so that the plying of buses during peak heat wave hours i.e., between 11.00 am to 3.00 pm are restricted.
Similarly, provisions of safe drinking water, ice pack, ORS in buses and provision of cool resting spaces at bus stops will be provided, Das wrote in the letter.
Moreover, over-crowding of passengers in the public transport vehicles will be avoided and ‘Jalachhatras’ (water kiosks) will be put up at bus stands and bus stops for the passengers.
Besides, temporary passenger sheds will be erected near the bus stops with provisions of drinking water along with facility of water kiosk on highways.
Furthermore, Das wrote, proper checking will be carried out by the enforcement wing of the department and penalty be imposed against the erring transporters/ operators.
Control rooms at district level should function round the clock during the period of heat wave.
The bus/ truck associations of the district and the local NGOs should suitably be instructed to involve themselves in public awareness campaign about heat wave.
Regular meetings will be held to sort out the issue and provision of funds may be made for Heat Wave Management, the letter read.